2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks go defense, Pistons surprise at 5

19. Golden State Warriors choose Dariq Whitehead

Whitehead’s stock is all over the board after a rough season at Duke. He was the number one player coming out of high school, but injuries and poor performance have scouts questioning what to expect from the 18-year-old next season and long-term. Whitehead averaged just 8.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 20.6 minutes per game while shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 79.3 percent on his free throws.

He was slowed by a foot injury early in the season and had a second procedure in May, which certainly contributed to his struggles. How much stock should experts put into anything that happened for the 6’7 wing at Duke?

Whitehead did shoot 42.9 percent on 98 3-point attempts last season. Can he become the 3-and-D wing that every NBA team covets? His shooting will make him a first-round pick, but how soon will a team take a chance on his upside?

The Warriors need rookie contracts on their books to keep their luxury tax bill down. Golden State wants to win more championships, so they should be targeting high-upside talent. Dariq Whitehead was a projected top-five pick coming into this season, and the Dubs would love to be the team that attempts to unlock his potential.